| The Tomb of the Unknowns- Arlington National Cemetery |
| "Here Rests In Honored Glory An American Soldier Known But To God" |
| The Tomb of the Unknowns, near the center of the cemetery, is one of Arlington's most popular tourist sites. The Tomb contains the remains of unknown American soldiers from World Wars I and II, the Korean Conflict and (until 1998) the Vietnam War. Each was presented with the Medal of Honor at the time of interment and the medals, as well as the flags which covered their caskets, are on display inside the Memorial Amphitheater, directly to the rear of the Tomb. The Tomb is guarded 24 hours per day and 365-days-per year by specially trained members of the 3rd United States Infantry. |
| Each guard walks 21 steps across the Tomb, symbolic of the 21 gun salute, the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary. On the 21st. Step, the soldier turns and faces the Tomb for 21 seconds The soldier then turns to face the other way across the Tomb and changes his weapon to the other shoulder. After 21 seconds, Step 1 is repeated. This is repeated until the soldier is relieved of duty at the Changing of the Guard. |
| During the summer months, from April to September 30, the guard changes every half hour. During the winter months, from October 1 to March 31, the guard changes every hour. The Tomb of the Unknowns has been guarded continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, since July 1, 1937, including during inclement weather. The Tomb guards rotate 24 hours on, then 24 hours off over a 5-day period, after which they have 96 hours off. A guard, on the average, takes 8 hours to prepare his uniform for the next day's watch. A special Army decoration, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Guard Identification Badge, is authorized for nine months of duty as a Tomb guard. Those receiving the badge are also issued a Guard Identification Lapel Pin, for civilian wear. |
